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Further damage delays re-opening of SH3 through Manawatū Gorge

The NZ Transport Agency says newly uncovered structural damage to SH3 in the Manawatū Gorge caused by recent slips and heavy rainfall means the road cannot be safely re-opened to traffic this week as hoped.

Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I’Anson says detailed inspections undertaken by structural engineers before the planned re-opening of the highway later this week have revealed that a concrete retaining wall supporting the road has shifted and must be replaced.

The damaged retaining wall on the river side of the road (see photo) was discovered after slip material was cleared near Kerry’s Wall, 4.5km from the Ashhurst turn off, which has been the site of several slips since the closure of the road on April 24.

“We’ve looked carefully at the option of opening the road to a single lane while this retaining wall is replaced and the road is repaired, but further heavy rain in the gorge yesterday has made the area more unstable. In its current state the width of usable road surface at this slip site is very narrow. We would need to have vehicles passing directly under the slip while the work is carried out, which would pose unacceptable safety risks for road users.

“We know how frustrating this news will be for people, and we know how vital this route is for the region, but we simply can’t re-open the road before it is safe for people to use. We’re focussed on getting the road re-open as soon as possible, and our crews are working hard to get the job done.”

Mr I’Anson says crews are currently bringing shipping containers to the slip site to act as a temporary barrier and provide a protection zone for workers who will be replacing the retaining wall.

Mr I’Anson says the timeline for re-opening the road to traffic will be determined by how quickly the concrete retaining wall could be replaced, and while the work will be done urgently, the road is likely to remain closed to traffic for another week.

“At this stage the repairs are not expected to be completed before the end of next week, but as soon as the repairs are done it is safe for traffic to use the road it will be re-opened, initially to a single-lane at the slip sites.”

With the Pahīatua Track and the Saddle Road continuing as the alternative routes while repairs to the gorge road are carried out, motorists are also being reminded to be patient, drive to the conditions and watch their speeds when driving through the communities along the alternate route.

The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.